Chondroitin

For strength and flexibility

Here is another clue to healthier, pain-free joints!

Chondroitin is a natural component found in cartilage – the tough, connective tissues that cushion our joints. Chondroitin helps draw fluid into the cartilage, making it more flexible, and also blocks enzymes that break down cartilage.

Benefits of Chondroitin

Reduces pain from osteoarthritis. A recent Montreal study found that a combination of chondroitin and glucosamine may be beneficial for treating osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee and hip. OA is a type of joint disorder characterised by a breakdown of cartilage due to injury or wear and tear, and may eventually lead to cartilage loss.However, results from other studies are mixed. Some have found that chondroitin does not soothe pain much better than a placebo (a substance with no pharmacological effect and administered as a control in an experiment).

Correcting dysfunctional bladders. Separate studies have also found that chondroitin may be effective in controlling overactive bladders and treating bladder wall inflammation. However, more evidence is needed before a firm conclusion can be made.

Chondroitin occurs naturally in animals’ connective tissues, but higher doses are usually found in supplements. One such supplement is

chondroitin sulphate, usually made from cow cartilage.

While chondroitin’s benefits are not yet well-established, extensive clinical studies have also not identified any significant side effects or overdoses. However, as it is not an established treatment method, the ideal dosage is uncertain. Ask your doctor for advice.

What is osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative, debilitating disease. Its symptoms and the risk of developing it increase with age. In osteoarthritis, joint cartilage breaks down and the space between the bones which meet at a joint gets narrower. The space-narrowing effect tends to reduce our range of motion. The joint bones themselves will change chemically, and the victim may experience considerable pain. Competitive athletes can also develop osteoarthritis.